TWI890634B - Bracket assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A bracket assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket and a supporting member. The first bracket is arranged with a first mounting member. The second bracket is displaceable relative to the first bracket and is arranged with a second mounting member. A side of the second bracket is arranged with the supporting member for supporting an object. The supporting member includes a mounting feature for providing a portion of the object to be mounted therein. The first bracket includes a reinforcing structure being located adjacent to the mounting feature.

Description

Bracket assembly

The present invention relates to a bracket, and more particularly to a bracket assembly that can be used to mount a load.

For example, Chinese Patent Publication No. CN 201440774U discloses a slide rail mechanism for use in a computer housing, which can be slid along a sliding direction within a rack. A sidewall of the computer housing has a positioning groove (U-shaped groove). The slide rail structure includes a fixed spring with a stop. As the computer housing slides along the sliding direction within the rack, the neck portion of the stop abuts against the positioning groove, preventing the computer housing from sliding further in the sliding direction. That is, by engaging the neck section of the limiting portion with the positioning groove, the computer housing can be positioned and cannot be pushed further into the chassis.

For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 9,161,625B2 discloses a slide rail assembly that can be mounted on a rack and used to support a load (e.g., a chassis). When the load is pushed from outside the rack into the rack, one end of the load abuts against a stop on a support member, thereby stopping the load in place.

However, while these patents disclose a carrier (computer case or chassis) that can be locked in place, as market demands vary, developing a different product becomes a question worth exploring.

The present invention relates to a bracket assembly for mounting a load.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a bracket assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket, and a support member. The first bracket is provided with a first mounting member; the second bracket is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first bracket and provided with a second mounting member; the support member is attached to the second bracket and is configured to support a load; the support member includes a mounting feature for mounting the load; and the first bracket includes a reinforcement structure adjacent to the mounting feature.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a bracket assembly is adapted for use with a rack comprising a first column and a second column. The bracket assembly comprises a first bracket, a second bracket, and a support member. The first bracket is provided with a first mounting member; the second bracket is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first bracket and provided with a second mounting member, wherein the first mounting member and the second mounting member are respectively adapted to be mounted to the first column and the second column; the support member is provided to the second bracket and is adapted to support a load; the support member comprises a mounting feature into which a portion of the load is inserted when the load is retracted from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position.

Overall, the bracket assembly can be used to support a load and provide for the installation of the load.

20,200: Bracket assembly

22,202: First bracket

22a, 24a, 26a, 220a: First end

22b, 24b, 26b, 220b, 202b: Second end

24,206: Second bracket

26: Teeth

28: First workpiece

30: Second workpiece

32: Operating parts

34,204: First mounting part

36a, 46a, 228a, 234a: First Wall

36b, 46b, 228b, 234b: Second Wall

38,48,230,236: Vertical Wall

40,50: End Plate

42,52: Connection holes

44,208: Second mounting part

53: Subject

54a: First tooth

54b: Second tooth

56: Auxiliary parts

58: Longitudinal hole

60: Connectors

62: Operation Department

64: Extension

65:Fixer

66:Driver

68: First long hole

70: Second long hole

72: First connection feature

74: Second connection feature

76,212: Support parts

78,232: Reserved channel

80: Elastic parts

82: Restore elastic parts

84: First Guidance Features

86: Second Guidance Features

88: Predetermined hole

90: Corresponding hole

92a,210a: First Column

92b,210b: Second column

94: Another connecting member

214: Carrier

216: Installation Features

220: Longitudinal section

222: Bend

224: Supporting part

226:convex part

235: First prominent feature

237: Second prominent feature

238: Reinforcement structure

240: Extension piece

242: Expansion Department

244: Narrow part

A1: First shaft

A2: Second shaft

B: Bottom

D1: First Direction

D2: Second Direction

F: Predetermined Force

H1: First mounting hole

H1’: Another first mounting hole

H2: Second mounting hole

H2’: Another second mounting hole

J1: First horizontal width

J2: Second horizontal width

K1: First length

K2: Second length

L1, L1’: First side

L2, L2’: Second side

M1: First lock position

M2: Second lock position

Q1: First reserved position

Q2: Second reserved location

P1: First operating position

P2: Second operating position

S1: First paragraph

S2: Second paragraph

T: Tooth segment

W1: First predetermined wall

W2: Second predetermined wall

W3: The third predetermined wall

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an exploded schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the auxiliary parts and working parts of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention having a first length;

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention having a second length;

Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention having the second length;

FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention having the first length and being mountable to a rack having a first longitudinal depth;

FIG8 is a schematic diagram showing the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention having the second length and being mountable to a rack having a second longitudinal depth;

Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention mounted on a frame, with a connecting member in a first locking position;

Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention mounted on a frame, with the connecting member in a second locking position;

Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention being installed on a rack;

Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention mounted on a frame and carrying a load in a first predetermined position;

Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of a bracket assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention mounted on a frame and carrying a load in a second predetermined position, viewed from a first angle; and

FIG14 is a schematic diagram showing a second perspective of the bracket assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention mounted on a frame and carrying the load in the second predetermined position.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a bracket assembly 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first bracket 22, a second bracket 24, a gear row 26, at least one working member (e.g., a first working member 28 and a second working member 30, but only one working member is required for implementation), and an operating member 32.

The first bracket 22 has a first end 22a and a second end 22b positioned opposite each other, such as the front and rear ends, but this is not a limitation. The first bracket 22 is provided with at least one first mounting member 34. The first bracket 22 includes a first wall 36a, a second wall 36b, and a longitudinal wall 38 connected between the first and second walls 36a, 36b. Preferably, the first mounting member 34 is located adjacent to the second end 22b of the first bracket 22. For example, the second end 22b of the first bracket 22 has an end plate 40, and the first mounting member 34 is attached to the end plate 40. Furthermore, the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22 is provided with a connection hole 42.

The second bracket 24 is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first bracket 22. Here, the X-axis is the longitudinal direction (or the length of the bracket), the Y-axis is the transverse direction (or the side direction of the bracket), and the Z-axis is the vertical direction (or the height of the bracket). The second bracket 24 has a first end 24a and a second end 24b that are positioned opposite each other, for example, at the front and rear ends, but this is not a limitation. The second bracket 24 is provided with at least one second mounting member 44. The second bracket 24 includes a first wall 46a, a second wall 46b, and a longitudinal wall 48 connected between the first and second walls 46a, 46b of the second bracket 24. Preferably, the second mounting member 44 is located adjacent to the first end 24a of the second bracket 24. Here, for example, the first end 24a of the second bracket 24 has an end plate 50, and the second mounting member 44 is arranged on the end plate 50. In addition, the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24 is further provided with a connecting hole 52.

The gear row 26 is attached to the first bracket 22. Specifically, the gear row 26 is connected (e.g., fixed) to the longitudinal wall 38 of the first bracket 22. The gear row 26 has a predetermined longitudinal length that is less than the length of the first bracket 22. The gear row 26 includes a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other, and these teeth have substantially the same structural configuration. Here, the gear row 26 is shown as having a plurality of first teeth 54a and a plurality of second teeth 54b on both sides of the main body 53, respectively. However, in practice, the gear row 26 only needs to have a plurality of teeth on one side of the main body 53, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Preferably, the gear row 26 is a one-way gear row. For example, the plurality of first teeth 54a and the second teeth 54b of the gear row 26 all constitute a one-way gear row.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 are mounted on the second bracket 24 and are respectively engaged with the first tooth 54a and the second tooth 54b of the gear train 26. The first working member 28 and the second working member 30 have substantially the same structural configuration, such as being a non-return pawl, and their interaction with the gear train 26 is substantially the same.

Specifically, taking the first working member 28 as an example, the first working member 28 can be engaged (or engaged) with the first tooth 54a of the tooth row 26 via at least one tooth segment T. Alternatively, the tooth segment T of the first working member 28 can be disengaged from the first tooth 54a of the tooth row 26 (or the tooth segment T of the first working member 28 no longer engages the first tooth 54a of the tooth row 26). Preferably, the bracket assembly 20 further includes an auxiliary member 56 for mounting on the second bracket 24. The first working member 28 and the second working member 30 are pivotally connected to the auxiliary member 56 on the second bracket 24 via a first axis A1 and a second axis A2, respectively. Preferably, the auxiliary member 56 is movably mounted to the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24. For example, one of the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24 is provided with at least one longitudinal hole 58, and the other of the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24 is provided with a connecting member 60 that passes through a portion of the longitudinal hole 58. In this example, the auxiliary member 56 is provided with the longitudinal hole 58, the second bracket 24 is provided with the connecting member 60 that passes through a portion of the longitudinal hole 58, and the connecting member 60 is connected (e.g., fixed) to the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24. This allows the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24 to move longitudinally relative to each other within a limited range.

As shown in Figure 2, the operating member 32 is movably mounted on the second bracket 24. The operating member 32 is used to manipulate the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30). The operating member 32 includes an operating portion 62 and an extension portion 64 extending longitudinally a predetermined distance from the operating portion 62. The extension portion 64 is configured to cooperate with the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30). A drive member 66 is connected (e.g., fixedly attached) to the extension portion 64 via a fixing member 65, such that the drive member 66 and the operating member 32 are considered integral. The extension portion 64 cooperates with the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) through the drive member 66. Preferably, the operating member 32 and the driving member 66 each have a first elongated hole 68 and a second elongated hole 70 . A first connecting feature 72 and a second connecting feature 74 pass through a portion of the first elongated hole 68 and the second elongated hole 70 , respectively, to mount the operating member 32 to the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24 .

Preferably, the second bracket 24 has a first side L1 and a second side L2 that are opposite to each other, such as an outer side and an inner side. The first bracket 22 is located on the first side L1, and a support member 76 is arranged on the second side L2 (see Figure 1 for details).

Preferably, one of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 has a predetermined passage 78 for movably mounting the other of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24. For example, the first end 22a of the first bracket 22 can be inserted through the opening of the predetermined passage 78 at the second end 24b of the second bracket 24, allowing the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 to move longitudinally relative to each other.

Preferably, the bracket assembly further includes an elastic member 80 for providing elasticity to one of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24. Furthermore, the elastic member 80 is installed between the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24.

Preferably, the bracket assembly further includes a return spring member 82 for providing a return spring force to the operating member 32.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the length of the bracket assembly 20 can be adjusted, wherein the gear row 26 has a first end 26 a and a second end 26 b that are positioned opposite to each other, such as a front end and a rear end, but the implementation is not limited thereto. Specifically, regarding the first working member 28 and the second working member 30, for example, when the tooth T of the first working member 28 engages the first tooth 54a of the tooth row 26, the first bracket 22 can only move relative to the second bracket 24 in a first direction D1, while the second bracket 24 can only move relative to the first bracket 22 in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. This allows the distance between the first mounting member 34 and the second mounting member 44 to be adjusted from a first length K1 (as shown in FIG. 4 ) to a second length K2 (as shown in FIG. 5 ), with the second length K2 being greater than the first length K1. The first working member 28 and the second working member 30 are configured such that, when the first working member 28 is engaged with the gear row 26 , the first bracket 22 cannot move relative to the second bracket 24 in the second direction D2 , and the second bracket 24 cannot move relative to the first bracket 22 in the first direction D1 .

Preferably, when the bracket assembly 20 is at the first length K1, the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) are located adjacent to the second end 26b of the gear row 26. When the bracket assembly 20 is at the second length K2, the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) are located adjacent to the first end 26a of the gear row 26.

Preferably, one of the driving member 66 on the operating member 32 and the first working member 28 has a guide feature, such as an inclined or curved surface. For example, the driving member 66 on the operating member 32 has a first guide feature 84, and the first working member 28 has a second guide feature 86. When the operating member 32 is in the first operating position P1, the first guide feature 84 and the second guide feature 86 correspond to or align with each other (as shown in FIG. 4 ). Furthermore, the driving member 66 on the operating member 32 and the second working member 30 also have a structural relationship involving guide features, which will not be further described here.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the bracket assembly 20 is to be shortened from the second length K2, the user can apply a predetermined force F (e.g., a pulling force) to the operating portion 62 of the operating member 32 to move the operating member 32 from the first operating position P1 to a second operating position P2, thereby driving the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 to disengage from the gear row 26 (as shown in Figure 6, the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 no longer engage the gear row 26), so that the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 can be displaced relative to each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. For example, the first bracket 22 can be displaced relative to the second bracket 24 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, and the second bracket 24 can be displaced relative to the first bracket 22 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. Here, taking the displacement of the first bracket 22 in the second direction D2 and the displacement of the second bracket 24 in the first direction D1 as an example, the bracket assembly 20 can be adjusted to shorten from the second length K2 to the first length K1, or to any length between the first length K1 and the second length K2.

Preferably, when the operating member 32 moves from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2, the operating member 32, through the interaction between the first guide feature 84 and the second guide feature 86, drives the first working member 28 to pivot a certain angle, disengaging the tooth segment T of the first working member 28 from the first tooth portion 54a of the gear row 26. Meanwhile, the principle of disengaging the tooth segment T of the second working member 30 from the second tooth portion 54b of the gear row 26 is substantially the same as the principle of disengaging the tooth segment T of the first working member 28 from the first tooth portion 54a of the gear row 26 and will not be further described here.

Preferably, a predetermined hole 88 is provided in the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24, connecting the first side L1 and the second side L2 of the second bracket 24. The predetermined hole 88 is positioned adjacent to or corresponds to a corresponding hole 90 (see FIG. 2 for details) in the operating portion 62 of the operating member 32. This allows a user's finger to pass through the predetermined hole 88 and the corresponding hole 90, thereby facilitating the user's application of the predetermined force F to the operating portion 62 of the operating member 32.

Preferably, when the operating member 32 is in the second operating position P2, the return spring member 82 accumulates a return spring force. Once the user stops applying the predetermined force F, the operating member 32 returns from the second operating position P2 to the first operating position P1 in response to the release of the return spring force.

As shown in Figure 7, the bracket assembly 20 can be applied to a rack, and the rack includes a first column 92a and a second column 92b. Here, a first longitudinal depth is defined between the first column 92a and the second column 92b. Specifically, when the length of the bracket assembly 20 is adjusted to the first length K1, the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 can be mounted to the first column 92a, while the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 is mounted to the second column 92b.

Preferably, the elastic force of the elastic member 80 provides the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 with a force to be mounted in the first mounting hole (not shown due to viewing angle) of the first column 92a in the first direction D1, and the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 with a force to be mounted in the second mounting hole H2 of the second column 92b in the second direction D2. This helps improve the reliability and safety of the bracket assembly 20 when mounted to the rack.

Preferably, the user can insert a connecting member (e.g., a screw) through the other first mounting hole of the first column 92a and secure it to the connecting hole 42 (not shown due to viewing angle) of the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22. Alternatively, the user can insert another connecting member 94 (e.g., a screw) through the other second mounting hole H2' of the second column 92b and secure it to the connecting hole 52 of the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24.

Preferably, the support member 76 can be used to support a load (such as an electronic device or a chassis, not shown).

As shown in Figure 8 , the frame includes a first column 92a and a second column 92b. Here, a second longitudinal depth greater than the first longitudinal depth is provided between the first column 92a and the second column 92b. Specifically, when the length of the bracket assembly 20 is adjusted to the second length K2, the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 can be mounted to the first column 92a, while the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 is mounted to the second column 92b.

Preferably, the elastic force of the elastic member 80 provides the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 with a force to be mounted in the first mounting hole (not shown due to viewing angle) of the first column 92a in the first direction D1, or the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 with a force to be mounted in the second mounting hole H2 of the second column 92b in the second direction D2. This helps improve the reliability and safety of the bracket assembly 20 when mounted to the rack.

Preferably, the user can insert a connecting member (e.g., a screw) through the other first mounting hole of the first column 92a and secure it to the connecting hole 42 (not shown due to viewing angle) of the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22. Alternatively, the user can insert another connecting member 94 (e.g., a screw) through the other second mounting hole H2' of the second column 92b and secure it to the connecting hole 52 of the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24.

As can be seen, the bracket assembly 20 can be adjusted to different lengths to accommodate racks with different longitudinal depths. Furthermore, the user can operate the operating member 32 to disengage the first working member 28 from the gear row 26, thereby shortening the bracket assembly 20 and removing it from the rack.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10 , the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24 are longitudinally movable relative to each other, and the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) are movably mounted (e.g., pivotally connected) to the auxiliary member 56. This prevents the tooth segments T of the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) from being overly tightly engaged (or pinched) with the teeth of the tooth row 26 (the first tooth 54a and the second tooth 54b), potentially causing damage.

Alternatively, when the bracket assembly 20 is adjusted to a length that matches the longitudinal depth of the rack, the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 can be installed (inserted) into the first mounting hole H1 of the first column 92a, and the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 can be installed (inserted) into the second mounting hole H2 of the second column 92b. The bracket assembly 20 can then be secured to the rack using a connecting member (e.g., screws), enhancing the stability and security of the bracket assembly 20 when mounted to the rack.

However, during the installation process, there may be some longitudinal installation tolerances. For example, when the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 and the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 are respectively installed (inserted) into the first column 92a and the second column 92b, there may still be some longitudinal installation tolerances between the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22 and the first column 92a, or between the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24 and the second column 92b. Furthermore, when the other connection is In the process of inserting the member 94 (e.g., a screw) from the other second mounting hole H2' of the second column 92b and locking it to the connecting hole 52 of the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24, the other connecting member 94 is locked from a first locking position M1 (as shown in FIG. 9) to a second locking position M2 (as shown in FIG. 10) to generate a locking tension. Alternatively, the user can insert the connecting member (e.g., a screw, not shown) from the other first mounting hole H1' of the first column 92a and lock it to the first bracket. 22 of the end plate 40 of the connecting hole 42, in the process of this locking, the second bracket 24 responds to the locking tension and moves slightly longitudinally in the second direction D2, or the first bracket 22 responds to another locking tension opposite to the locking tension and moves slightly longitudinally in the first direction D1, thereby making the first working piece 28 (and the second working piece 30) and the gear row 26 in a locked state (or a biting state) relative to each other can move slightly relative to each other. In other words, through the auxiliary A longitudinal hole 58 is provided between the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24, allowing the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24 to move longitudinally relative to each other. This allows for longitudinal installation tolerances when the bracket assembly 20 is mounted on the frame. Alternatively, it prevents damage to the tooth segment T and the teeth (first tooth 54a and second tooth 54b) caused by over-tightening when the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) and the tooth row 26 are engaged due to the locking tension.

Alternatively, when the bracket assembly 20 is mounted on the frame, if an unexpected force strikes the bracket assembly 20 or the frame is subjected to external impact during transportation, the longitudinal hole 58 provided between the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24 allows the auxiliary member 56 to move slightly, dissipating the impact force. This prevents damage to the tooth segment T and the teeth (the first tooth 54a and the second tooth 54b) when the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) and the gear row 26 engage.

Figures 11 to 13 illustrate a second embodiment of a bracket assembly 200 of the present invention, which can be mounted on a rack. Specifically, the first mounting member 204 of the first bracket 202 and the second mounting member 208 of the second bracket 206 are respectively mounted to a first column 210a and a second column 210b of the rack. The first bracket 202 is located on a first side L1′ of the second bracket 206.

The difference between the bracket assembly 200 of the second embodiment and the bracket assembly 20 of the first embodiment lies in the support member 212 (or support rail) arranged on the second side L2' of the second bracket 206, which can be used to support a load 214 (such as an electronic device or a chassis, as shown in Figures 12 and 13). The support member 212 includes a mounting feature 216 for mounting the load 214.

Furthermore, the mounting feature 216 allows the load 214 to be installed when it is moved from a first predetermined position Q1 outside the rack (as shown in FIG. 12 ) to a predetermined direction (e.g., first direction D1) and then to a second predetermined position Q2 inside the rack (as shown in FIG. 13 ).

Preferably, the support member 212 further includes a longitudinal portion 220 having a first end 220a and a second end 220b positioned opposite each other, such as a front end and a rear end, but this is not limiting. The second end 220b of the longitudinal portion 220 is provided with a bent portion 222, and the bent portion 222 has the mounting feature 216. Here, the bent portion 222 is substantially perpendicularly connected to the second end 220b of the longitudinal portion 220, but this is not limiting.

Preferably, the support member 212 further includes a supporting portion 224, and the supporting portion 224 and the longitudinal portion 220 together form a substantially L-shaped structure, wherein the longitudinal portion 220 is connected (e.g., fixed) to the second side L2' of the second bracket 206, and the supporting portion 224 is used to support a bottom portion B of the load 214.

Preferably, the mounting feature 216 is an opening defined by a plurality of predetermined walls, where the predetermined walls include, for example, a first predetermined wall W1, a second predetermined wall W2, and a third predetermined wall W3, and the carrier 214 includes a protrusion 226 or a latch or the like that can be inserted into the opening (as shown in FIG13 ). Furthermore, when the carrier 214 is stored in the second predetermined position Q2 within the rack, the protrusion 226 of the carrier 214 can be inserted into the opening and restrained by the predetermined walls. This can limit the vertical movement (e.g., Z-axis direction) or lateral movement (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the carrier 214 due to unexpected forces, thereby helping to enhance the safety and reliability of the carrier 214 when stored in the rack. Furthermore, a first transverse width J1 of the opening is greater than a second transverse width J2 of the protrusion 226 (as shown in FIG. 13 ). This allows for accommodating possible transverse tolerances in the width of different loads 214 .

Preferably, the mounting feature 216 is located adjacent to the first mounting member 204 of the first bracket 202.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14 , the load 214 is stored in the second predetermined position Q2 within the rack. The first wall 228a, second wall 228b, and longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206 collectively define a predetermined passage 232, allowing the first end of the first bracket 202 to pass through the passage opening of the predetermined passage 232 of the second bracket 206 (this principle is the same as in the first embodiment and will not be further described here for the sake of simplicity). The first mounting member 204 of the first bracket 202 is located outside the predetermined passage 232. Furthermore, the first bracket 202 includes a first wall 234a, a second wall 234b, and a longitudinal wall 236 connected between the first wall 234a and the second wall 234b of the first bracket 202.

Furthermore, the first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 face each other, and both the first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 have a first section S1 and a second section S2 that are bent toward each other (for example, substantially vertically, but not limited to). The first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 are used to respectively hold the first wall 234a and the second wall 234b of the first bracket 202; on the other hand, the first bracket 202 includes a reinforcing structure 238. For example, the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 includes the reinforcing structure 238, and the reinforcing structure 238 is close to the first bracket. The second end 202b of the bracket 202 is adjacent to the mounting feature 216. This enhances the overall structural strength or support strength of the bracket assembly 200 and prevents lateral movement of the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 206 relative to each other. This helps ensure that the protrusion 226 of the load 214 can be accurately inserted into the mounting feature 216 (e.g., an opening).

Preferably, the first bracket 202 is arranged with a first protruding feature 235 (as shown in Figure 14), and the second bracket 206 is arranged with a second protruding feature 237 (as shown in Figure 11). The first protruding feature 235 and the second protruding feature 237 are, for example, both bumps or protrusions. Here, the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 is arranged with the first protruding feature 235, and the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206 is arranged with the second protruding feature 237 as an example. Furthermore, the first protruding feature 235 of the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 faces toward and is used to abut the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206, while the second protruding feature 237 of the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206 faces toward and is used to abut the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202. This strengthens the structural strength or support strength between the longitudinal walls 236 of the first bracket 202 and the longitudinal walls 230 of the second bracket 206, and prevents the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 206 from moving laterally relative to each other. This also helps ensure that the protrusion 226 of the load 214 can be accurately inserted into the mounting feature 216 (e.g., an opening).

Preferably, the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 is further provided with an extension 240 extending from the second wall 228b and positioned correspondingly to the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 to limit the lateral movement of the first bracket 202 due to unexpected forces (as shown in FIG. 14 ).

Preferably, the reinforcement structure 238 is raised relative to the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 in a direction away from the load 214, providing a structural reinforcement effect (as shown in FIG. 14 ).

Preferably, the reinforcing structure 238 includes an expanded portion 242 and a narrow portion 244 extending longitudinally from the expanded portion 242. Compared to the narrow portion 244, the expanded portion 242 is closer to the first mounting member 204, thereby enhancing the strength of the first mounting member 204 when mounted on the first column 210a (as shown in FIG. 14 ).

Preferably, the reinforcing structure 238 has a substantially T-shaped structure (as shown in FIG. 14 ).

It can be seen that the bracket assembly (20, 200) provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes the following features:

1. The support member 212 disposed on the second side L2' of the second bracket 206 can be used to support a load 214. The support member 212 includes mounting features 216 for mounting the load 214. The mounting features 216 allow the load 214 to be retracted from a first predetermined position Q1 outside the rack (as shown in FIG. 12 ) to a second predetermined position Q2 inside the rack (as shown in FIG. 13 ). For example, the protrusion 226 of the carrier 214 can be inserted into the mounting feature 216 (e.g., an opening) and restrained by a plurality of predetermined walls of the mounting feature 216. This can limit the vertical (e.g., Z-axis) or lateral (e.g., Y-axis) movement of the carrier 214 due to unexpected forces, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the carrier 214 when it is stored in the rack.

2. The first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 face each other, and both the first section S1 and the second section S2 of the second bracket 206 are bent toward each other. The first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 are used to respectively hold the first wall 234a and the second wall 234b of the first bracket 202. On the other hand, the longitudinal wall 228b of the first bracket 202 is 36 includes the reinforcing structure 238. The reinforcing structure 238 is located near the second end 202b of the first bracket 202 and adjacent to the mounting feature 216. This structure enhances the overall structural strength or support strength of the bracket assembly 200 and prevents the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 206 from moving laterally relative to each other. This helps ensure that the protrusion 226 of the load 214 can be accurately inserted into the mounting feature 216 (e.g., an opening).

3. The reinforcing structure 238 bulges away from the load 214 relative to the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202, providing a rib-like effect. Preferably, the reinforcing structure 238 comprises an expanded portion 242 and a narrowed portion 244 extending longitudinally from the expanded portion 242. Compared to the narrowed portion 244, the expanded portion 242 is closer to the first mounting member 204, thereby enhancing the strength of the first mounting member 204 when attached to the first column 210a.

4. The plurality of first teeth 54a of the gear row 26 form a one-way gear row, and the working member, for example, the first working member 28, is a non-return pawl. When the tooth T of the first working member 28 engages (or snaps into) the first tooth 54a of the gear row 26, the first bracket 22 can only move relative to the second bracket 24 in the first direction D1, while the second bracket 24 can only move relative to the first bracket 22 in the second direction D2 opposite the first direction D1. This allows the distance between the first mounting member 34 and the second mounting member 44 to be adjusted from the first length K1 to a second length K2 that is different from the first length K1, allowing the bracket assembly 20 to be used with racks having different longitudinal depths.

5. When the first working member 28 is engaged (or clamped) to the gear row 26, the first bracket 22 cannot be displaced in the second direction D2 relative to the second bracket 24, and the second bracket 24 cannot be displaced in the first direction D1 relative to the first bracket 22. Accordingly, when the bracket assembly 20 is mounted on the frame, the first mounting member 34 and the second mounting member 44 are prevented from being disengaged from the first mounting hole H1 and the second mounting hole H2 of the first column 92a and the second column 92b, respectively. This improves the safety of the bracket assembly 20 when it is mounted on the frame and facilitates use. A single person can install the bracket assembly 20 on the rack. Alternatively, the user can operate the operating member 32 to disengage the first working member 28 from the gear row 26. In other words, the first working member 28 can be driven to no longer engage the gear row 26, allowing the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 to freely move relative to each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. This allows, for example, the length of the bracket assembly 20 to be shortened (e.g., from the second length K2 to the first length K1), allowing the bracket assembly 20 to be removed from the rack.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the aforementioned preferred embodiments, they are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be subject to the scope of the attached patent application.

202: First bracket

202b: Second end

204: First mounting part

206: Second bracket

208: Second mounting part

210a: First Pillar

210b: Second Pillar

212: Support

214: Carrier

216: Installation Features

222: Bend

226:convex part

238: Reinforcement structure

B: Bottom

J1: First horizontal width

J2: Second horizontal width

Q2: Second reserved location

W1: First predetermined wall

W2: Second predetermined wall

W3: The third predetermined wall

Claims (11)

A bracket assembly comprises: a first bracket having a first mounting member; a second bracket being longitudinally displaceable relative to the first bracket and having a second mounting member; and a support member being arranged on the second bracket and configured to support a load; wherein the support member comprises a mounting feature for mounting the load; wherein the first bracket comprises a reinforcement structure adjacent to the mounting feature. wherein the support member further comprises a longitudinal portion, the longitudinal portion having a first end and a second end positioned opposite each other, and the second end of the longitudinal portion is arranged with a bent portion, the bent portion having the mounting feature; wherein the support member further comprises a supporting portion, and the supporting portion and the longitudinal portion together constitute a substantially L-shaped structure, the supporting portion being used to support a bottom of the load; wherein the mounting feature is located adjacent to the first mounting member of the first bracket The second bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected between the first and second walls of the second bracket, and the first, second, and longitudinal walls of the second bracket collectively define a predetermined passage. The first bracket has a first end and a second end positioned opposite each other, and the first end of the first bracket can be inserted through the passage opening of the predetermined passage of the second bracket. Connected between the first and second walls of the first bracket; the first and second walls of the second bracket each have a first section and a second section bent toward each other, and the first and second walls of the second bracket are used to respectively embrace the first and second walls of the first bracket; wherein the longitudinal wall of the first bracket includes the reinforcing structure, and the reinforcing structure is proximate to the second end of the first bracket; wherein the reinforcing structure is raised relative to the longitudinal wall of the first bracket. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting feature is an opening defined by a plurality of predetermined walls, and the carrier includes a protrusion insertable into the opening. The bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein a first width of the opening is greater than a second width of the protrusion. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein one of the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket is further provided with an extension member, and the extension member is used to limit the lateral movement of the first bracket. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing structure includes an expanded portion and a narrow portion extending longitudinally from the expanded portion. The bracket assembly of claim 1 further comprises a gear train, a working member, and an operating member; the gear train is arranged on the first bracket; the working member is arranged on the second bracket, and the working member is configured to be engaged with the gear train; the operating member is movably mounted on one of the first bracket and the second bracket; wherein, when the working member is engaged with the gear train, the first bracket can only be displaced in a first direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket can only be displaced in a second direction relative to the first bracket. A second-directional displacement adjusts the distance between the first mounting member and the second mounting member from a defined first length to a second length; wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other, and the second length is greater than the first length; wherein the operating member is operable to move from a first operating position to a second operating position to drive the working member to disengage from the gear arrangement, allowing the first bracket and the second bracket to move relative to each other in the first direction and the second direction. The bracket assembly as described in claim 6, wherein the gear row is a one-way gear row and the working member is a non-return pawl. The bracket assembly of claim 6 further comprises an auxiliary member mounted on the second bracket, and the working member is pivotally connected to the auxiliary member on the second bracket; the auxiliary member is movably mounted on the second bracket; one of the auxiliary member and the second bracket is provided with a longitudinal hole, and the other of the auxiliary member and the second bracket is provided with a connecting member that passes through a portion of the longitudinal hole. A bracket assembly is provided for use with a rack comprising a first column and a second column. The bracket assembly comprises: a first bracket having a first mounting member; a second bracket longitudinally displaceable relative to the first bracket and having a second mounting member, wherein the first mounting member and the second mounting member are respectively mounted to the first column and the second column; and a support member disposed on the second bracket, wherein the support member is configured to support a load. The support member includes a mounting feature, which allows a portion of the support member to be inserted into the mounting feature when the support member is stored from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position; wherein the support member further includes a longitudinal portion and a bent portion, the longitudinal portion having a first end and a second end positioned opposite each other, and the second end of the longitudinal portion is provided with the bent portion, and the bent portion has the mounting feature; the mounting feature is an opening defined by a plurality of predetermined walls, and the support member includes a protrusion that can be inserted into the protrusion. to the opening; wherein the mounting feature is located adjacent to the first mounting member of the first bracket; the second bracket includes a first wall, a second wall and a longitudinal wall connected between the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket, and the first wall, the second wall and the longitudinal wall of the second bracket jointly define a predetermined channel; the first bracket has a first end and a second end positioned opposite each other, and the first end of the first bracket can pass through the channel opening of the predetermined channel of the second bracket; the first bracket includes a first wall, A second wall and a longitudinal wall are connected between the first and second walls of the first bracket. The first and second walls of the second bracket each have a first section and a second section that are bent toward each other. The first and second walls of the second bracket are used to respectively support the first and second walls of the first bracket. The longitudinal wall of the first bracket includes a reinforcement structure proximate the second end of the first bracket and adjacent to the mounting feature. The reinforcement structure is raised relative to the longitudinal wall of the first bracket. The bracket assembly of claim 9 further comprises a gear row and a working member; the gear row is arranged on the first bracket; the working member is arranged on the second bracket, and the working member is engaged with the gear row; wherein, when the working member is engaged with the gear row, the first bracket can only be displaced in a first direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket can only be displaced in a second direction relative to the first bracket, so that the distance between the first mounting member and the second mounting member is adjusted from a first length to a second length; wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions, and the second length is greater than the first length; wherein, at the second length, the first mounting member of the first bracket is mounted to the first column, and the second mounting member of the second bracket is mounted to the second column. The bracket assembly of claim 10 further comprises an operating member movably mounted on the second bracket, wherein the operating member is operable to move from a first operating position to a second operating position to drive the working member to no longer engage the gear train, thereby allowing the first bracket and the second bracket to move relative to each other in the first direction and the second direction.